Johnny “Jake” Collier Teach A Kid To Fish

Johnny “Jake” Collier passed away at home on February 17th 2022. Jake was a loving, kind man who was cherished by all who knew him. Jake was a lifelong fisherman. One of his wishes was to share his love of fishing with the youth of Battle Creek.

The Collier Family has started a Memorial Fund and would like to honor Jake’s last wishes by gifting 60 fishing rods, some simple tackle, and fishing instructions to Battle Creek Kids.
In partnership with the City of Battle Creek, MI Government Small Business Battle Creek, Battle Creek Parks & Rec Department, and Smitty’s Sport Shop, the rods will be distributed and fishing instructions given on the shoreline of Goguac Lake on August 13, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon.

The details are as follows:
– 60 fishing rod kits are available free of charge
– Limit 1 per child 3 per household
– Age limit 6 – 16 years old
– Register in person for the fishing rod kit and fishing instructions at Smitty’s 1408 W Michigan Ave. on the following dates:

Wednesday, August 2nd 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Friday, August 4th 12 PM to 3:00 PM
Saturday, August 5th 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Monday, August 7th – 3:30-5:30
Tuesday, August 8th, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM & 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 9th, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Saturday, August 12th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

While supplies last:
Each child will receive a voucher for their fishing rod kit.
Each child will be required to register for 1 of the 6 half hour time slots to pick up the fishing rod kit and is encouraged to learn how to fish with the Collier Family, Friends, and Anglers from Smitty’s Sport Shop between 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon on Sunday August 13, 2023 on Goguac Lake.

**2022 event participants are not eligible to receive a rod and reel combo, but can return with their rod and reel for further instructions on how to fish. **

Thanks to Jake, we are going to teach some kids how to fish……